ISIS released a video today showing the beheading of Japanese journalist, Kenji Goto, after negotiation attempts failed.
Japanese deputy foreign minister, Yasuhide Nakayama, stated as of Friday the negotiations to exchange Goto for Islamic extremist Sajida al-Rishawi were deadlocked.
According to ABC News the video, entitled, “A Message to the Japanese Government,” showed a masked militant clad in black, speaking in a British accent, as he held a knife to Goto's throat.
"To the Japanese government: You, like your foolish allies in the Satanic coalition, have yet to understand that we, by Allah's grace, are an Islamic Caliphate with authority and power, an entire army thirsty for your blood."
USA Today reports, at one point he addressed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe directly.
"Abe, because of your reckless decision to take part in an unwinnable war, this knife will not only slaughter Kenji, but will also carry on and cause carnage wherever your people are found. So let the nightmare for Japan begin."
The White House National Security Council says they are working to confirm the authenticity of the video, and spokesperson Bernadette Meehan stated:
"The United States strongly condemns [ISIS's] actions and we call for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. We stand in solidarity with our ally Japan."
Goto was a seasoned journalist, working in war zones for the past two decades, and an author of 5 books. He is survived by his wife, Rinko and their two daughters.
There is no word on the fate of Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh.